On March 5, 2025, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis will take the helm of the Ash Wednesday rites on Aventine Hill, substituting for Pope Francis, who remains under medical care at the Gemelli Hospital. This event marks the official commencement of Lent and is celebrated with significant symbolic actions within the Catholic Church.
The Ash Wednesday celebration will kick off at 4:30 PM at the church of Sant'Anselmo all'Aventino, leading to a traditional penitential procession toward the Basilica of Santa Sabina. Various cardinals, archbishops, bishops, as well as Benedictine monks and Dominican priests will participate, reflecting the rich communal spirit of this pivotal occasion. Following the procession, the Eucharistic celebration will be held, during which the ritual of blessing and imposition of ashes will take place. This rite, central to the Ash Wednesday observance, serves as a poignant reminder of human mortality and the necessity of penance, setting the tone for the Lenten season.
Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, who currently serves as the Major Penitentiary, has been entrusted with this important role during a period of Pope Francis' convalescence. Having been appointed as Major Penitentiary since April 6, 2024, De Donatis holds significant authority within the Roman Curia, overseeing matters of penitence and reconciliation throughout the Church. His elevation in the ecclesiastical hierarchy has been marked by his close collaboration with Pope Francis since his appointment as the Bishop of Rome’s auxiliary bishop and his later role as Vicario Generale, which made him one of the most trusted advisors to the Pope.
Born on January 4, 1954, De Donatis began his clerical career as a priest for the Diocese of Nardò Gallipoli before moving to Rome, where he engaged in several pastoral roles. His substantial ecclesiastical experience and dedication led to his nomination by Pope Francis as the Titled Bishop of Mottola and later as the auxiliary bishop of Rome, all of which culminated in his cardinalship awarded on June 28, 2018. This unusual appointment highlighted the Pope's commitment to fostering leadership from within the clergy even beyond the traditional confines of cardinalship.
The significance of Ash Wednesday cannot be understated within the Catholic Church; it is not merely the start of Lent but also serves as a period for reflection, fasting, and prayer, drawing attention to the need for conversion and deepening one's relationship with God. The rites, marked by simplicity and solemnity, align closely with Jesus’ own 40 days of fasting and contemplation, encouraging congregants to engage earnestly with their faith.
While the Cardinal steps up to lead the faithful, Pope Francis remains actively involved, even from his hospital bed. Recent communications from the Vatican indicate his health is stabilizing following complications from broncospasm. The Pope’s situation, including his hospitalization since February 14, has raised concerns, yet he continues to send messages urging the community to nurture their liturgical practices with humility. A message released on February 26 reminded church leaders to cultivate a straightforward style of worship reflecting the life of Jesus, devoid of ostentation.
This pastoral care demonstrates the Pope’s commitment to his flock, even amid personal health challenges. His compassionate outreach ensures the continuity of his teachings and the unbroken chain of leadership within the Church. De Donatis’ role on Ash Wednesday serves to reinforce this legacy, spotlighting the importance of community and shared faith during the Lenten season.
The Ash Wednesday rites presided over by De Donatis will gather together congregants and various Church representatives, fostering unity and collective introspection as they begin this holy period. The procession, rich with tradition, symbolizes the communal penitential experience and encourages not only reflection but also active participation within the local faith community.
With the ritual of imposition of ashes marking the transition from ordinary time to Lent, De Donatis' presence is emblematic of the Church’s resilience and adaptability. He emphasizes the call to conversion and renewal, echoing the central tenets of the Lenten message. This year's observance is particularly poignant, as it not only initiates the penitent season but also reflects on the papacy's commitment to serve and guide believers through times of trial and tribulation.
While community support and prayer remain integral to the Church during this time, the faithful are invited to enter the upcoming Lent reflecting on the themes of repentance, renewal, and hope. With Cardina De Donatis leading the way, the Ash Wednesday celebration promises to inspire and unite the Catholic community as it embarks on this spiritually enriching path.